Former Phillies’ Starter Joe Blanton Signs With Dodgers

Former Philadelphia Phillies' starting pitcher Joe Blanton agreed to a one-year deal with Los Angeles Dodgers this evening, the team announced. 

 

This will be Blanton's second stint playing for the Dodgers, as the Phillies traded him to the Dodgers during the 2012 season. Blanton would leave the Dodgers after posting an ERA just shy of five in 10 starts to sign with the cross-town Los Angeles Angels. 

Blanton's time with the Halo's was short-lived, as the team released him after he posted a 6.04 ERA in 2013. 

Blanton retired in April of 2014, before making a comeback with the Kansas City Royals last season. In 15 games with the Royals, four of which were starts, Blanton posted a 3.89 ERA, before the Royals designated him to make room for trade-deadline pickup Johnny Cueto.

While Blanton was in the process of being designated, the Royals reached a trade agreement with the Pittsburgh Pirates, who Blanton would go on to thrive with out of the bullpen. In 21 appearances out of the bullpen, Blanton posted a 1.57 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP, while even picking up two saves. It's safe to say that Blanton extended his career with his run with the Pirates, who he helped to win one of the two National League wild card slots. 

Despite losing Zack Greinke, the Dodgers do have quite a bit of rotation depth, so one would assume they plan to use Blanton strictly out of the bullpen. For the 35 year-old, that means he will get a chance to be part of a bullpen for a team that has a chance to win what will be a competitive division and potentially put Blanton in a position to win his second World Series title. 

Tim Kelly (@TimKellySports) is the Managing Editor of Philliedelphia.com, focusing on news and features. 

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